Paul Tisdale says Exeter City will be in a better position with injuries against Wycombe Wanderers than they were in last weekend's 1-0 loss to Luton Town.

The Grecians made the trip to the league leaders having been forced to make five changes from their previous game, handing a first league start to 20-year-old Jordan Storey.

Tisdale is now anticipating having a stronger squad for this weekend's visit of promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers.

He said: "I think we're better than we were. That was a tough ask, going to Luton - we were very, very confident on the back of previous results but, with the changes we had and the personnel, especially in the defensive areas and midfield, there were plenty of things to talk about other than just playing the game.

"There was a lot we found to talk about on how to put our team together against a really good team in Luton and it was a tough ask. We almost got there and, had we got something, I think it would have been against the run of play but I really admired the way we played.

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"The players really put themselves about and dug in and tried really hard, so I congratulated them after the game - of course, not for losing, but for the way they played.

"There'll be lesser teams that we can play that way and get results against, so I think we have to use the experience - we enjoyed the game, there are players like Kane Wilson and Jordan Storey who enjoyed the day, especially Jordan Storey, making his full debut.

"We've got one or two players returning, hopefully this week we'll be a bit stronger."

Troy Archibald-Henville was one of a number of defenders who missed out on the trip to Luton Town, with Tisdale admitting the defender is not currently in a position to play two games in four days - although he is working hard to rectify that.

He said: "Probably, but I'm pushing Ade, the physio, to try and overcome that.

(Image: Pinnacle)

"Troy's done really well this year to play the games he has done, it's been really, really useful to have him in the squad.

"Circumstances went against him last year - when he was injured, we needed him, and when he was fit, there was no opportunity for him.

"This year, we've had him there, he's taken his chance, he's played and he's been a big element to our consistency in home games.

"He's been a really useful asset to have."

Tisdale also confirmed that long-term absentee Troy Brown could well be involved in the under-23s' Premier League Cup game against Sunderland on Sunday.

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He said: "He's getting close. There's a couple of reserve games coming up and the under-23s on Sunday, so him, Luke Croll and a number of others will have an opportunity to play.

"Ryan Brunt and Robbie Simpson can continue to play, so hopefully we don't receive too many injuries but the squad is strengthening."

The City boss revealed that he had erred on the side of caution over Jordan Moore-Taylor's comeback from injury due to the risk of his captain breaking down.

He said: "It was a hip flexor injury and it's a difficult one because, of course, in football, you kick and that mechanism is under strain every time you kick a football.

"I think he's been champing at the bit the last couple of weeks, and still is, my decision as always is risk and reward.

"Of course we want him back in, he's our captain, but the risk is of him breaking down - you can't ever get these things exactly right as a manager, I'm just trying to get the balance in this particular case.

"I'll err on the side of caution, I think, rather than risk him unnecessarily."